Cost of Living: Plano, TX vs Wilmington, NC (2026)

Plano

Texas
132
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Plano is 32% more expensive than Wilmington.

$1,792/mo ↑ 37%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↓ 27%
$108,649/yr ↑ 70%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↓ 41%
$440,600 ↑ 26%
Home Value
$350,300 ↓ 20%
$1,829/mo ↑ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↓ 25%
287,339
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Plano, TX and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $481/month cheaper in Wilmington, saving renters about $5,772/year.

Median household income is $44,749/year higher in Plano. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Plano is $440,600 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Plano residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Plano vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Plano or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wilmington is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Plano and Wilmington?
Median rent in Plano is $1,792/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $481/month.
Which city has higher income, Plano or Wilmington?
Median household income is $108,649 in Plano and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $44,749/year higher in Plano.
How do taxes compare between Texas and North Carolina?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Plano or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Plano has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,792/mo, while Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,311/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Plano details → View Wilmington details →

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